The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian
Territories continues to deteriorate: UK statement at the
Security Council
President, the security situation in Israel and the Occupied
Palestinian Territories has deteriorated further to the detriment
of both Israelis and Palestinians.
In Gaza, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other militant factions
fired 1,748 rockets at Israel. Indiscriminate rockets from Gaza
caused the needless deaths of an Israeli and 4 Gazans. The UK
condemns unequivocally the indiscriminate fire of rockets against
civilians and all forms of terrorism. The UK Foreign Secretary
welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and
militant factions in Gaza, and is grateful for the support of
Egypt, Qatar and the US. We urge all parties to honour the
ceasefire and prevent further loss of life.
President, the UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence. But
Israeli conduct must always be in line with international
humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction,
humanity, proportionality and military necessity. We were
concerned by the reports of at least 12 civilian deaths,
including 6 children, in Israeli strikes in Gaza.
This month, we have also seen further deaths in the West Bank,
where Israeli security forces have killed 110 Palestinians this
year, including militants and civilians. If killing continues at
this rate, 2023 will be the deadliest year for Palestinians in
the West Bank since UN records began in 2004. Israeli security
forces must show restraint in their use of force and investigate
civilian casualties. 19 Israelis, residents and tourists
including Lucy, Maia and Rina Dee, have already been killed in
terrorist attacks in 2023. The Palestinian Authority must also
re-assert control over Area A and take steps to tackle terrorism.
President, a solution to this conflict won’t be found until both
Israel and the Palestinians tackle inflammatory rhetoric and
incitement, as they agreed in Sharm El Sheikh on 19 March. Yet
only last week, we heard from President Abbas and Israeli
participants in the Flag March in Jerusalem racist slogans and
slurs. Such rhetoric and incitement, including by both Israeli
and Palestinian political leaders undermines the cause of peace.
Israel must also tackle increasing settler violence and coercion
which on Monday resulted in the forcible transfer of the
Palestinian population from Ein Samiya and desist from settler
expansion which is illegal under international law.
Finally President, the United Kingdom also strongly supports the
historic Status Quo governing Jerusalem’s holy sites and values
the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s important role as custodian.
The UK remains firm in its belief that a negotiated two state
solution, based on 1967 lines with Jerusalem as a shared capital,
is the only way to ensure a lasting peace, security and
prosperity between the two parties.
At the General Assembly committee meeting on voluntary
contributions to UNRWA in June, it is vital that the
international community puts the agency onto a sustainable
footing to protect the delivery of critical services to millions
of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA is crucial to stability throughout
the region.
As the Foreign Secretary stated on 14 May, the UK will support
all efforts to promote dialogue and create a pathway towards a
just and sustainable peace. The first step on that pathway is
clear: both sides must honour the commitments they made in good
faith in Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh.
